In 1942 Czech Parachutists attacked the tyrant Protector of Bohemia & Moravia ,S.S. General Reinhard Heydrich who died of his wounds. When I visited Royal Leamington Spa recently on behalf of the National Council,because of my association with the Legion from members of those towns I learn many stories This is one such story .Its about seven Czech parachutists who were killed in Praque in June 1942 , after two of them attacked the above Nazi. In response the Nazis flattened the villages of Lidice and Lazaky either murdering the residents or sending them to concenstration camps .From 1940 until 1942 a house in Newbold terrace in Leamington was the Headquarters of the 3000 strong Czech free brigade and it was here that the parachute drops and assination of Heydrich were planned. We will remember them.
Who turned out the light ?
The President and the Chairman in the dark as usual ?
Chairman notes .
A Mrs Pat Mills sent me the following letter this week and very special it was.
"I found your name on a website and I am hoping as you have a connection to British Legion who may know the whereabouts of the WW1 war memorial to the sailors of HMS Formidable lost when it was sunk on January 1st 1915. I have tried web searches without success. My great uncle a Walter Cullen was lost at that time and I am trying to find a photo of this memorial All I have is a small torn piece of newspaper cutting showing part of a memorial and the words erected in Lyme Regis cemetery and the name HMS Formidable. Bit of an unusual request for a councillor but I hope you can help me. Regards Mrs Pat Mills in Hampshire. "
I passed this letter on to David Manners and his reply is below.
Dear Sir,
Your email has been passed to me by our Chairman of the RBL in Lyme Regis. There is indeed a memorial to the the men lost as a result of the sinking of HMS Formidable in Lyme Regis cemetery. It is not only a memorial, but the last resting place of 6 men who died soon after reaching shore in 1915. Sadly, Mr. Walter Cullen is not one of those named.
Each Remembrance tide the RBL committee lay a wreath on the memorial and a period of silence is obeyed and a wreath laid.
Should you ever wish to visit the site, the cemetery is always open during daylight hours or if you wish me to show you the grave.
Kind regards David Manners (Lt.Cdr.RNR rtd)
Award winner Treasurer Mr Martin Jones and Mr Cecil Quick
Who turned out the light ?
The President and the Chairman in the dark as usual ?
Chairman notes .
A Mrs Pat Mills sent me the following letter this week and very special it was.
"I found your name on a website and I am hoping as you have a connection to British Legion who may know the whereabouts of the WW1 war memorial to the sailors of HMS Formidable lost when it was sunk on January 1st 1915. I have tried web searches without success. My great uncle a Walter Cullen was lost at that time and I am trying to find a photo of this memorial All I have is a small torn piece of newspaper cutting showing part of a memorial and the words erected in Lyme Regis cemetery and the name HMS Formidable. Bit of an unusual request for a councillor but I hope you can help me. Regards Mrs Pat Mills in Hampshire. "
I passed this letter on to David Manners and his reply is below.
Dear Sir,
Your email has been passed to me by our Chairman of the RBL in Lyme Regis. There is indeed a memorial to the the men lost as a result of the sinking of HMS Formidable in Lyme Regis cemetery. It is not only a memorial, but the last resting place of 6 men who died soon after reaching shore in 1915. Sadly, Mr. Walter Cullen is not one of those named.
Each Remembrance tide the RBL committee lay a wreath on the memorial and a period of silence is obeyed and a wreath laid.
Should you ever wish to visit the site, the cemetery is always open during daylight hours or if you wish me to show you the grave.
Kind regards David Manners (Lt.Cdr.RNR rtd)
Award winner Treasurer Mr Martin Jones and Mr Cecil Quick
